JAKE

JAKE

JAKE

Abstract

Bentwood Lamination is the process of gluing thin flexible strips of veneer together in complex shapes to create a stiff, stable structure.

Rather than solely taking advantage of the flexible properties of the veneer through the production process, I want to allow the properties of the veneer to dictate the final form.

Central Questions

Research Approach

Key Experiments

How do I take a progressive technical idea and morph that idea into a cohesive more simplified product?

How can i create a form that accentuates the flexible physical properties of the veneer?

How far into abstraction can I go without losing the original concept of the intervention?

I took a technical research approach within this project, as I believe that is one of my strengths. I started with a technical issue or concept and tried to bring that very technical idea to an understandable, more aesthetically pleasing concept that people can identify with.

Gluing veneer with heat



It is a quick method for gluing wood, and could be used in large structures or complex shapes where a mold is not suitable. From gluing with an Iron, I created a machine to bond the veneer automatically.









Separating strands of veneer



By separating the veneer at certain areas, this allows the structure to be flex, twist, stretch, deform, etc in a controllable way.









Replicating Compliant Mechanisms with veneer



This was a turning point in the project. By making these tests I was really able to test the veneer and get the full potential out of it. I did feel that although the mechanisms definitely had potential, that it was important to not get over-complex. my technical mind found this a challenge.







Interpret a compliant mechanism into a product



It is difficult to make a compliant mechanism elegant, as they are usually created by engineers who are not searching for an elegant solution. In this process, I also gained practical insight of the difficulties of mold making for bentwood lamination.

Design Criteria

The object must be a representation of the favourable properties of the veneer.

The function must dictate the form as I believe this is what is most interesting when it comes to the use of veneer.

The object must be as pure as possible. Keep foreign materials to a minimum, eg. only wood.

Relevance

I believe my project shows a new way of looking at materials. people are unaware of the qualities of materials like veneer. employing the flexibility of the veneer opens up many doors.

Complex, costly metal hinges? Replace them with veneer.

Multi-material foam upholstery? Replace it with a flexible veneer membrane.

Of course these are only a few examples, but If I were to continue to work on this project, I would like to look into basic feasibility and other possible material combinations.

Product Photos

In the photo series below I wanted to show how the chair reacts to different bodies and seems to morph into the body of the user.